(1)Section 26 of the 1983 Act (definition of “relative” and “nearest relative”) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (5).
(2)In subsection (1)(a), after “wife” insert “ or civil partner ”.
(3)In subsection (5)—
(a)in paragraph (b) after “wife” insert “ or civil partner ”, and
(b)in paragraph (c) after “wife,” insert “ civil partner, ”.
(4)In subsection (6)—
(a)for “and “wife” include a person who is living with the patient as the patient's husband or wife” substitute “ “ , “wife”and “civil partner” include a person who is living with the patient as the patient's husband or wife or as if they were civil partners” , and
(b)for “unless the husband or wife” substitute “ or a patient in a civil partnership unless the husband, wife or civil partner ”.
(5)In subsection (7)(b), for “unless the husband or wife” substitute “ or a patient in a civil partnership unless the husband, wife or civil partner ”.
(6)In section 27 of the 1983 Act (children and young persons in care), after “wife” insert “ or civil partner ”.